Decoding Christian Lingo Part 3

Decoding Christian Lingo

The Journey to Sanctification

Main Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:3

1 Thessalonians 4:3 KJV 1900

For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:

I. Introduction:

Have you ever heard words in church that sound complicated or hard to understand? Maybe you’ve heard someone say:

"I’ve been saved!" (Salvation)

"God has justified me!" (Justification)

"I’m growing in sanctification!" (Sanctification)

You nod your head, but deep down, you’re thinking… "Wait, what does that mean?"

That’s why we started this series: "Decoding Christian Lingo." We’re breaking down these big church words so we can truly understand what God has done for us!

Recap:

Week 1: Salvation – Jesus rescues us from sin and brings us into His family (Ephesians 2:8). Week 2: Justification – God declares us righteous the moment we believe in Jesus (Romans 5:1).

This Week: Sanctification – Now that we’re saved, how do we grow to be more like Jesus? That’s what we’re learning today!

Illustration:

Imagine training for a marathon. No one becomes a great runner overnight!

First, you sign up—that’s like justification (you’re in!).

Next, you train every day—that’s sanctification (growing stronger).

Finally, you finish the race—that’s glorification (reaching the goal).

Big Idea: Sanctification is not just about knowing God—it’s about being transformed by Him every single day.

Big Idea: Sanctification is not just about knowing God—it’s about being transformed by Him every single day.

What does it mean to be sanctified, and how does it happen?"

Today, we’re going to break it down step by step so we can understand how God helps us grow into the people He has called us to be!

II. Defining Sanctification

A. The word sanctification comes from the Latin sanctificatio, meaning “the act of making holy.” In the Bible, it is closely related to the Hebrew and Greek terms:

Hebrew: קָדַשׁ (qādash) – To consecrate, set apart, or make holy (Exodus 19:10, Leviticus 20:7–8).

Greek: ἁγιασμός (hagiasmos) – The process of making holy or being set apart (1 Thessalonians 4:3, Hebrews 12:14).

III. Three Phases of Sanctification

Positional Sanctification (Past) - I AM Sanctified

This is an instant work of God when a believer is saved. The moment someone puts their faith in Christ, they are declared holy positionally before God.

1 Corinthians 6:11 NKJV

And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

This is based on Christ’s finished work on the cross, not human effort.

Happens at salvation - we are set apart (1 Corinthians 6:11).

God declares us holy because of Christ.

Illustration: Just like joining a sports team—you get the uniform immediately, but you still need training!

Progressive Sanctification (Present) I AM BEING Sanctified

The daily process of growing in holiness. (2 Cor. 3:18)

This is an ongoing process in the life of a believer. It involves growing in holiness, overcoming sin, and becoming more like Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit.

Hebrews 10:14 NKJV

For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.

2 Corinthians 3:18 ESV

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

We grow in holiness by fighting sin and becoming more like Jesus.

Like learning a new skill—we improve over time.

Illustration: Learning to play an instrument – At first, it’s difficult, but with time and practice, you improve!

Ultimate Sanctification (Future) - I WILL BE Sanctified

When we will be made perfect in heaven. (1 John 3:2)

This occurs at the believer’s glorification when they are made completely holy and free from sin in eternity.

1 John 3:2 NKJV

Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.

This happens at the resurrection when believers are fully conformed to Christ.

Happens in heaven (1 John 3:2).

We will be completely free from sin.

Illustration: Graduation Day – After years of learning, you finally receive your diploma!

IV Justification vs. Sanctification

Salvation Journey

Justification is 100% God’s work – We don’t contribute to it.

Sanctification is a partnership – The Holy Spirit works in us, but we must also obey.

Why Does God Do Both?

Justification gives us a new identity in Christ.

Sanctification helps us live out that identity.

Think of it like this:

Justification = We are declared holy (our status changes).

Sanctification = We learn to live holy (our character changes).

Philippians 2:12–13 KJV 1900

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

V. How Does God Sanctify Us?

G.R.O.W.

G – God’s Word (Renew Your Mind)

John 17:17 KJV 1900

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

The Bible renews our mind and guides us toward holiness.

R – Rely on the Holy Spirit

Galatians 5:16 NKJV

I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

We can’t change ourselves, but the Holy Spirit transforms us.

O – Obey God Daily

Romans 6:19 NKJV

I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness.

Obedience leads to spiritual growth—small steps of faith matter!

W – Walk with Other Believers

Hebrews 10:24–25 KJV 1900

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

We need accountability and encouragement from other believers.

VI. The Goal of Sanctification

Three goals of sanctification

To know and follow God’s will for your life (1 Thessalonians 4:3)

To be transformed into the image of Christ (Romans 8:29).

To prepare for eternal glory (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24).

Sanctification is not about earning salvation but about growing into the person God has called us to be. It is a lifelong journey of transformation, leading us closer to Christ.

Tension:

We know that sanctification is God’s will, and we know it’s a lifelong journey. But here’s the challenge we often face.

If sanctification is God’s will for us, why is it so hard?

If I’m saved, why do I still struggle with sin?

If God is changing me, why does it feel so slow?

Let’s be honest—becoming more like Jesus isn’t easy. Sometimes, we feel stuck in the same sins, frustrated by our weaknesses, or tempted to give up.

Romans 7:15 KJV 1900

For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.

Even Paul, one of the greatest apostles, wrestled with sin!

The truth is, sanctification is hard. It’s a battle against sin, the world, and our own weaknesses. But here’s the good news:

We Are Not Alone—God is Finishing the Work He Started in you!

VII. Encouragement

God is not frustrated with your progress. He is patient, loving, and committed to finishing what He started in you!

Philippians 1:6 NKJV

being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;

Closing Illustration:

Think of a sculptor working on a masterpiece. It takes time, but the final product will be beautiful. God is shaping you into the image of Christ—trust the process!

Weekly Challenge:

Pick one area in your life where you need to grow in holiness.

Ask God to help you take one step forward this week.

Invitation:

We’ve learned today that sanctification is a journey—it’s not always easy, but God promises to finish what He started in us. Maybe you’re here today, and you’re struggling in your faith. You love Jesus, but sometimes you feel stuck. You wonder, ‘Am I really growing? Why does change feel so slow?’ If that’s you, I want to invite you to come forward for prayer. Let’s seek God together."

Or maybe today, you realize that you’ve never actually put your faith in Jesus. You’ve heard about salvation, but you’ve never truly surrendered your life to Him. Justification—being declared righteous—only happens when we trust in Jesus alone. If today you’re ready to take that step, don’t wait. Step out in faith and come forward—we want to pray with you."

Wherever you are in your journey, God is calling you to take the next step. If you need strength to grow, come and pray. If you need salvation, come and surrender. If God is stirring your heart, don’t ignore Him. Step forward, and let’s seek Him together."

Closing Prayer: Father, we thank You that You are working in us, even when we don’t see it. For those who are weary in their walk, strengthen them. For those who are battling sin, give them victory. For those who need salvation, draw them to You right now. We trust that You will complete the good work You have begun in us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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